Walsh: Five can last the distance

Ruby Walsh believes Fiveforthree has a good chance on breeding of staying the three miles in the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown on Thursday.

The Willie Mullins-trained grey is among a field of 10 declared for the Grade One contest as he steps up in trip after being touched off by Solwhit in the Aintree Hurdle earlier this month.

“He won the Ballymore Properties Hurdle last year over two miles, five furlongs and he was second at Aintree over two and a half miles last time,” said Walsh.

“Obviously it’s his first try at the trip but he is a half-brother to Celestial Gold, who won a Hennessy, so he is bred to get the trip and is in very good form.

“He’s a few to beat and it will be a very good race.

“He is a good ride to have.”